The CMPD Crime Lab has five specialized sections that provide state-of-the-art forensic analytical services for this police department as well as municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Mecklenburg county.
The lab is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). Forensic analysis is conducted in the disciplines of firearms, toolmarks, shoe/tire impressions, latent fingerprints, illicit drugs, fire debris, trace evidence, serology/DNA and questioned documents. The laboratory utilizes some of the latest database technology available to the forensic community such as CODIS, IBIS, AFIS and IAFIS.

Questioned DocumentsThe Questioned Document Examiner is responsible for conducting analysis on any document when there is a question about its origin or authenticity.

Latent Prints
Latent Fingerprint Examiners use a variety of powders, chemicals, and alternative light sources to visualize latent fingerprints from a variety of different materials and surfaces.

FirearmsServices provided by this section include determining operability of various types of firearms, bullet and cartridge case comparisons, determining the type of firearm from which a bullet or cartridge case was fired, serial number restoration, gunshot residue examinations and range determinations, toolmark comparisons and footwear & tire comparisons.